Spotting the delayed signs of a brain injured child can be vital

On Behalf of | Apr 7, 2022 | Medical Malpractice |

If you had a challenging time delivering your baby in West Virginia and believe your child may have been injured during the process, knowing the symptoms to look for can be helpful. These signs can develop early in a newborn’s life or after they have started developing past the age of six months.

Was your baby injured when being delivered?

Some individuals experience a more challenging time than others during the birthing process. If you had this problem and believe your baby may have suffered a brain injury, it can help to understand the symptoms of this abnormality. Doing so can be vital as early intervention is best when brain damage has occurred.

What can cause a brain injury in a newborn?

Having an injury to the brain can be devastating for a new baby. Brain damage is the most common cause of infant mortality and can lead to a permanent physical disability. Typically, infant brain injuries are caused by the following conditions:

  • Congenital defects
  • Oxygen deprivation during pregnancy or childbirth
  • Trauma to the brain during childbirth

Discovering a brain injury in infants can be challenging. Most diagnoses are completed when they turn one or two.

Delayed signs of brain damage in a newborn

Physical abnormalities can usually be observed if a baby has been brain injured. Signs can include an overly prominent forehead, twisted spine, spontaneous seizures and stiffness in the neck. Other symptoms to look for include the following:

  • Undersized head
  • Inability to move or focus eyes
  • Inability to sleep lying down
  • Problems when feeding
  • Abnormal or distorted facial features

In some cases, brain damage symptoms don’t start appearing until after six months. Telltale signs that something is wrong can include abnormal posture, involuntary movements, and the inability to sit up independently or roll over.

Knowing the signs to look for when your child has a brain abnormality might help get them the medical assistance required to make their life better.